Northern Michigan Policy Priorities: 2025 Policy Framework

Summary

A policy document from the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance setting out its 2025 Policy Framework. It describes the alliance as a coalition of 19 chambers and economic development organizations representing more than 7,000 member businesses, and groups its priorities under regionally-driven economic development, talent, and rural prosperity. The framework asks for regionally allocated funding, incentives for rural small businesses, streamlined licensing, and business tax reforms. It supports education and workforce programs such as Going Pro and Michigan Reconnect, immigration policies for skilled workers, childcare networks, and rural healthcare workforce initiatives. It also covers housing, broadband expansion, parity between hotels and short-term rentals, public transportation under the PA 51 formula, and energy policy that keeps utility rates low.

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Full text

N*RTHERN

MICHIGAN POLICY PRIORITIES

CHAMBER
ALLIANCE

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of 19 chambers and
economic development organizations representing more than 7,000 member
businesses from across northern Michigan. The Northern Michigan Policy
Conference brings northern Michigan policy needs to the forefront, providing
a venue for business leaders and legislators to come together to develop
creative solutions.

ABOUT US

REGIONALLY-DRIVEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

POLICY
Focuses on development efforts that are regionally driven to ensure northern
PRIORITIES Michigan and the U.P. are competitive business environments.

TALENT

Prioritizes workforce initiatives, immigration, and educational programs to draw
skilled workers to rural areas and develop and retain local talent.

RURAL PROSPERITY

Emphasizes resilient, connected rural residents, businesses, communities, and
natural environments.

LEADERSHIP

Haley Bennett PARTNERS

Director of Government

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2025 POLICY FRAMEWORK

Regionally Driven: Advocate for funding to be allocated regionally, rather than a one size-fits-all approach
Support Financial Incentives for Rural Small Businesses: Advocate for economic incentives that support existing
local businesses, emerging startups and early-stage companies.

Streamline Business Operations: Promote policies that simplify and accelerate licensing processes, reducing
administrative hurdles and barriers for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Improve Overall Business Tax Climate: Advocate for tax reforms that make rural Michigan more competitive and
attractive for businesses.

Regional Industry Cluster Development: Back initiatives that ensure northern Michigan leads innovation in blue
tech, outdoor recreation, drone technology, rural health, and advanced manufacturing.

Develop and Retain Local Talent: Support increased funding for education and workforce programs such as Going Pro
and Michigan Reconnect that enhance skills and training in local communities.

Attract Top Talent: Ensure northern Michigan is an attractive location for skilled workers to relocate and support
population growth through Pure Michigan.

Support Immigration Policies for Skilled Workers: Advocate for immigration reforms that attract skilled new Americans
to rural areas, bolstering the region’s workforce.

Invest in Childcare Provider Support Networks: Advocate for continued funding to build and sustain childcare
infrastructure, enabling more parents access to affordable childcare and the ability to participate in the workforce.
Develop Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiatives: Explore student loan assistance and other incentives to attract
healthcare professionals to rural areas and telehealth expansion, ensuring access to quality healthcare services.
Housing Policy: Advocate for policies that support housing solutions and regional housing partnerships that address the
critical housing shortage.

Promote Community-Led Development: Leverage federal and state funds for local projects that enhance revitalization
and placemaking, access to arts& culture, and improve quality of life.

Expand Access to High-Speed Internet: Prioritize broadband expansion, which is essential for education, telehealth,
and business operations in rural areas.

Advocate for Parity Between Hotels and Short-Term Rentals: Ensure fair assessment and taxation for short-term rentals,
directing investments into local community development.

Expand Public Transportation Services: Develop and invest in public transit to help rural communities access job
opportunities. Ensure PA 51 formula is utilized to equitably distribute funds across the region.

Support Sensible Energy Policy: Promote energy policies that keep utility rates low, ensuring cost-efficient and
sustainable energy for rural businesses.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN CHAMBER ALLIANCE

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www.house.mi.gov